A somewhat dangerous incident has occurred in Morocco. A local
Kaid has arrested and imprisoned an Algerian who is a subject of France, and therefore protected by the Capitu- lations. The French Minister remonstrated, but the Divan replied that the Sultan was master of all Mohammedans in Morocco, whatever their nationality. As this impudent reply, if accepted, would destroy the utility of the Capitulations, which are treaties, M. Bouvier at once directed the Minister to demand reparation, and to threaten that in the event of refusal France would either make a demonstration on the Algerian frontier, or send cruisers to a Moroccan seaport. The reply has not yet been received ; but as the outrage con- cerns all Europe, Germany will not support the Divan, and that body is expected to yield at once. A fine will be paid, and the Kaid dismissed. The incident will probably soon be forgotten; but it indicates that the ruling party at Fez is growing arrogant, and fancies that because Europe is divided it can, without fear, do anything it pleases. There are great men in Morocco who lament the days when the "Barbary States" on the southern coast of the Mediterranean answered every complaint with defiance, and are still unconvinced that the tribes, if they once rose, could not drive out the Europeans. Fortunately the Sultan is not of their opinion.
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